PETERSFIELD.]—AMATEUR CONCERT.—On Monday evening a concert will be given in the Dolphin Hotel Assembly Room, under the management of Mr. G. Finley, organist of Petersfield Church.
West Sussex Gazette — Thursday 19 January 1865
AMATEUR CONCERT.—On Monday last an amateur concert was given at the Dolphin Assembly Room, under the direction of Mr. Finley. Many of the gentry of the town and neighbourhood were present, and the attendance was larger than we have seen on any similar occasion, in fact, the room was filled to overflowing, and a great many persons could not obtain seats, but stood during the whole performance. The programme was well selected. The singing of the Misses Adams (pupils of Mr. Finley) was again the them of much praise, and contributed greatly to the pleasure of the evening. Of the solos it is difficult to particularize any for special commendation, but we must notice ‟Where the bee sucks,” which deserved an encore, and ‟The goodbye at the door,” which obtained one. For the latter was substituted one of Claribel’s charming ballads, ‟Won’t you tell me why Robin?” ‟One thought of home” was also very nicely rendered, and ‟Take this cup of sparkling wine” gained a rapturous encore. The duet ‟As it fell upon a day” was very nicely sung. Of the glees, perhaps, the ‟Chough and Crow” and ‟Sit Knight, Sir Knight” were the most effective. The second part of the programme concluded with the catch ‟Look, neighbours, look,” which was sung in character by Mr. Finley, Mr. R. Pocock, junior., and Mr. Lawrence. These characters should be seen to be appreciated. Quaint-looking gowns and shawls, bonnets of decidedly ancient fashion, spectacles of gigantic size, and umbrellas of the Mrs. Gamp type, contributed to make up a costume impossible to describe, and which, though very effective for the purpose, would scarcely pass muster in fashionable circles! The piece was received with roars of laughter, and was re-demanded most vociferously. At the close of the performance Sir William Jolliffe rose and remarked that he thought it fitting that the audience should, in the most emphatic manner, thank the amateurs and Mr. Finley for their exertions. He further expressed the great pleasure the performance had given him, and he felt that the very large attendance gave good proof that harmony was appreciated and valued.—The Rev. J. M. Sumner, in seconding the vote of thanks, also spoke in very high terms of those who had so kindly come forward to afford pleasure and amusement, and he hoped the success which attended the present effort would be an inducement to Mr. Finley to prepare a similar treat at no very distant date. Mr. Finley returned thanks on behalf of himself and the performers. During his residence in Petersfield Mr. Finley has given several concerts, but we think it will be admitted that this, on the whole, was more successful than any which have preceded it. The pianoforte was kindly lent by W. Adams, Esq.